Recently, the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED) partnered with Purty Agrotech, a Jharkhand-based company, to promote pearl farming in tribal regions. This far-reaching initiative aims to provide socio-economic development opportunities for tribal people.
The TRIFED and Its Objectives
The TRIFED is a national-level apex organization operating under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Established in 1987, its headquarters are in New Delhi, with 13 additional regional offices across India. It’s primarily dedicated to the socio-economic development of tribal people via marketing various tribal products, such as metal crafts, tribal textiles, and more. The organization plays a crucial role in Minor Forest Produce (MFP) development and retail marketing and development.
Details about the Agreement
Under this new agreement, pearls from Purty Agrotech will be sold through 141 Tribes India outlets and various e-commerce platforms. Moreover, Purty Agrotech’s center will be expanded into a Van Dhan Vikas Kendra Cluster (VDVKC). The long-term plan also includes the development of 25 VDVKCs for pearl farming in Jharkhand. These clusters offer skill upgradation, capacity building training, primary processing, and value addition facilities. TRIFED has also formed a partnership with e-grocery platform Big Basket to market and sell natural ‘Van Dhan’ products.
Benefits of Pearl Farming
Pearl farming presents a sustainable business opportunity that could revolutionize tribal livelihoods. Breeding oysters and developing pearls, primarily performed near water bodies, can significantly boost income for farmers who are typically reliant on climate-dependent crops. Unlike traditional farming, pearl farming is not subject to weather-related risks, leading to increased profits.
Eco-impacts and Water Purification
Pearl farming also has environmental benefits. It fosters biodiversity, providing habitats for fish. Additionally, filter feeder oysters used in pearl farming purify water. A single oyster can clear over 15 gallons of water in a day, absorbing heavy metals and harmful pollutants.
Pearl Farming: An Ancient Tradition, Modern Opportunity
Pearls, the only gemstones produced by living creatures like oysters and mussels, have been cherished since ancient times. Today, they are commonly grown on pearl farms using freshwater mussels. Notably, freshwater pearls can grow up to 10 times larger than those from saltwater oysters, producing an impressive luster.
Government Support and Initiatives
To stimulate the sector further, the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) offers benefits to pearl farmers. Meanwhile, the Department of Fisheries has added a subcomponent for pearl culture into the Blue Revolution scheme. These initiatives aim to increase participation in and profits from pearl farming.